This $919,730 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) supports research by Auburn University to analyze the phylogeny and invasiveness of aphids. The project aims to (i) estimate phylogenetic relationships among aphid lineages, (ii) use comparative phylogenetic analyses to investigate drivers of biological invasions, and (iii) extend practical biodiversity science through international collaboration and student training. Researchers will obtain and analyze genomic data from approximately 700 aphid species to advance aphid phylogenetic systematics. They will also employ phylogenetic path model analyses to test hypotheses about causal relationships between aphid invasiveness and factors like niche identity, niche breadth, reproductive output, and dispersiveness. This 4-year project, running from August 2025 to July 2029, will develop biodiversity data infrastructure to facilitate additional comparative research on topics like evolution of geographic ranges and climate change impacts.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $919.7k | 1/15/25 |